Releasable theft protection device

Abstract

This invention relates in general to a theft protection device for hand or shoulder carried articles, such as cameras, purses, etc., and more specifically to at least one predetermined force responsive attachment device, which has one component attached to the article alone, and the other component attached to the carrying straps, and both components are adapted for releasable engagement with one another, upon the application of a predetermined amount of force.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. A theft prevention device for an article, such as a purse, which is designed to be supported by a strap, comprising: a first major component connected to at least one end of the strap,   a second major component connected to said article, and adapted to be releasably connected to said first major component, to form a connection between said one end of said strap and said article under normal usage, and   a frangible filament secured between the first major component, and the second major component.   
     
     
       2. A device as in claim 1; wherein, said first major component has an upper portion connected to said strap, and a lower portion which forms a second major component receiving means.   
     
     
       3. A device as in claim 2; wherein, the second major component receiving means comprises a deformable spring element.   
     
     
       4. A device as in claim 3; wherein, the second major component comprises an enlarged head having a reduced portion which is dimensioned to be received within said receiving means.   
     
     
       5. A device as in claim 4; wherein, said deformable spring element comprises a pair of formed spring legs.   
     
     
       6. A device as in claim 3; wherein, the application of a predetermined amount of force between the strap and article will deform the spring element to disengage the connection between the said one end of the strap and the article.   
     
     
       7. A device as in claim 6; wherein, the predetermined amount of force does not exceed 20 lbs.   
     
     
       8. A device as in claim 6; wherein, the predetermined amount of force does not exceed 40 lbs.   
     
     
       9. A device as in claim 6; wherein, the predetermined amount of force is not less than 40 lbs.   
     
     
       10. A device as in claim 6; wherein, the application of the same predetermined amount of force between the first major component and the second major component is necessary to establish the connection between the respective components.